Kannur Restaurant Guide> Bamboo Fresh - An Eco Friendly Restaurant

Text by: Tanya Munshi

This is not a place you will find easily, Bamboo Fresh is a popular family restaurant in Thaliparamba, around 45 minutes drive from Ezhimala. En route Pariyaram Medical College, Bamboo Fresh comes as a pleasant surprise as you drive through winding roads and traffic and it appears just in time when the hunger pangs start driving you crazy.

I have been told that Beef Ulliyathu, is best had at Bamboo Fresh, and when I see my friends drool with the very mention of this spicy Keralite beef preparation, I believe them. But otherwise, the food at Bamboo Fresh is nothing really that great. But yes, they make their Keralite cuisine quite well, but one shouldn't expect anything out of the ordinary when it comes to Chinese, Continental and to some extent Indian.

Most of the times that we have gone (i.e. twice out of three) - prawns, fish pollichathu (usually, a whole Red Snapper marinated with spices, wrapped in coconut leaf and steamed - I have tasted better in Fort Kochi) - are not available. If at all they serve you here, its one piece of Kingfish (enough for per person only), and the price does not do justice to the quantity.

We remember, on our first visit to Bamboo Fresh, we tried out Chinese! The Chilly Prawns had hardly 3-4 small prawns and the small bowl was only loaded with masalas. I know you must be thinking how silly of us to try Chinese at these places, but come on! Spending so much time in God's Own Country, makes you want to give your taste buds a break from the usual coconut and curry leaf flavoured dishes.

Even the Chinese seemed to have a Keralite touch to it, so we try and stay away from experimenting with Chinese (even when we pine for it once in a while.) In Kerala, beef and rice dishes are usually a little cheaper than other dishes. So a small portion of Beef Ulliyathu cost us Rs. 60/- only, yeah that cheap! So if you dig beef (buffalo) then go right ahead.

More so, they are usually understaffed and don't take peak times such as weekends too well. We had a waiter tick us off because we asked him to bring the main course after the starter and not together; because in all the rush, he got everything together - soup, starter and main course. He did come later to apologize though, but I guess, human nature is such we only tend to remember the negatives.

I don't blame them as lack of heavy duty competition does result in slack behaviour, not up to the mark quality and quantity of food and less professionalism. It hurts more when you drive so far only to get small portions of food. And since the people there don't seem to have much of a problem, Bamboo Fresh has clearly not made any efforts to improve the quality of food and match the quantity with the pricing. They have a swanky reception and seating area, an ample parking space - but that won't save me from my hunger pangs, would it?

I may like to add one thing however, they call themselves the 'Eco Friendly' Restaurant and I am yet to find out how. The decor is very well done, where they have recreated a huge Banyan tree with coir and it appears as though we are sitting under a Banyan tree enjoying our meal.

If its called 'Bamboo Fresh' - I wonder why they have a Banyan tree decor? Shouldn't it have Bamboos? Maybe they could have called it the 'Banyan Tree' Restaurant! The only thing that is 'Eco Friendly' about them is that they give you parceled food in cloth bags and not plastic bags, but food comes in plastic containers! There hasn't been the need for an air conditioner, especially since we have visited Bamboo Fresh in the evenings, so I can't say about the day time use of air conditioners.

While you eat, a small LCD TV will display the delicacies on offer at Bamboo Fresh with classical music playing as background music. While eating the small portions if you look at the TV, your stomach will fill up fast, as the quantity shown on the screen is more than it appears on the plate. It's good to try it out once, who knows, you may find something that suits your palate, taste and size of tummy.


*Pricing:
Sweet Corn Chicken - Rs. 50/-
Beef Ulliyathu - Rs. 60/-
Chicken Fried Rice - Rs. 80/-
Chilli Prawns - 120/-
Dragon Chicken - Rs. 100/-

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Location:
Bamboo Fresh Restaurant
Thaliparamba
Phone: 0460 - 2200755

*Please Note - Pricing may change/ vary according to location and time.

Kannur Restaurant Guide> Royal Omars

Text by: Tanya Munshi

Frankly speaking, I was expecting a lot more by the ambience of the Paris Restaurant at Royal Omars in Kannur. We did not realize that lunch starts early in Kannur, as early as 12:45 and ends by 2:00 in the afternoon; especially, in the case of buffet lunch that gets over very quickly. So my word of advice to those visiting Kannur or other parts of Southern India, make sure you have your lunch on time. Mind you, most hotels in Kannur offer buffet lunch all through out the week, including weekends.

Interestingly, I also noticed that they don't keep the burners on to keep the food warm, as a result we landed up eating cold food. Buffet lunch per person costs Rs. 133/- exclusive of taxes. Royal Omars was mentioned in one of the travel guides we looked up, maybe their standards are good, but cold buffet lunch just did not work for me. I am sure the food may have been good as nothing was left of it by the time we reached and settled down at our table at Royal Omars.

What was even worse was, that the restaurant manager did not even tell us that buffet was over and we kept waiting for the buffet dishes to be refilled. We had reached there by 1:45pm and the food was already over. We had driven more than 30 kms and came back having a few cold sardine fries and curd rice. I was so disappointed with this hotel that I don't even want to go back there.


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Location:
Royal Omars
(A Unit of Paris Resorts)
Thavakkara
Kannur - 670 001
Kerala
Phone - 0497-2769091 to 96 (6 lines)
Fax - 0497 - 2769098

Kannur Restaurant Guide> Malayala Sadya

Text by: Tanya Munshi

Looking for an authentic Malayali cuisine on your visit to Kannur and don't know where to go? Then you must head straight to Malayala Sadya on SN Park Road in Kuzhikkunnu at Kannur. Don't go by the external look of the building, go right in and ask for the family room and you'll be seated in an air-conditioned, spic and span, well-lit room and served the southern delicacies.

We tried, Malabar Biryani - mutton and beef and one vegetarian sadya. The food is excellent, served piping hot and get ready to dig into the meals with your hands, you can ask for a fork and spoon, although mind you, most local and authentic South Indian restaurants don't usually provide you with cutlery. Of course, don't get startled if they give you a surprised look when you ask for a fork and spoon.

Beef biryani priced at Rs. 75/-, Mutton Biryani priced at Rs. 85/- and a vegetarian sadya cost only Rs. 30/- A complete value for meal and worth every penny. This lunch at Malayala Sadya was a real treat after we finished sight-seeing in Kannur. We visited St. Angelo Fort and the Arakkal Museum and by the time we finished our trip, our hunger pangs grew and thanks to this restaurant, we went back home all well fed and satiated like kings and queens.


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Location:
Malayala Sadya
Restaurant and Catering Service
SN Park Road,
Kuzhikkunnu
Kannur - 670001
Kerala
Phone - 0497-27131221/ 09495067588
Timings - 7:30 am to 11:30 am and 4:00 pm to 8:30pm

Travel> Bekal Fort

Image1: Walking up the ramp

Image 2: Frozen in time

Image 3: The gate ruins of Bekal

Image 4: Inside the fort

Image 5: Walking inside the fort

Image 6: Walking up the fort at Bekal

Image 7: View of the Arabian Sea from the top

Image 8: View from the Bekal Fort

Image 9: Inside the premises of Bekal Fort

Image 10: Restoration in progress at Bekal

Image copyright: Tanya Munshi

Text by: Tanya Munshi

Constructed between 1645 and 1660, Bekal Fort is one of the biggest forts in Kerala spreading across 40 acres. This sea fortress is located in Kasargod district of North Kerala, around 49kms south of Mangalore and 93kms north of Kannur.

Built with laterite stones this fort is of prime archeological importance in the country. Bekal Fort is recognized under the Ancient Monuments and Archeological Sites Remains Act 1958 (24 of 1958).

Bekal owes its history to the 12th century Mahodayapuram Perumals who were succeeded by the Ikkeri Nayakas who later fortified Bekal during the 16th century. Sivappa Nayaka of Bednore (Ikkeri Nayakas) had built Bekal Fort during his reign from 1645-1660. By 1763 Bekal Fort was captured by Hyder Ali and after the defeat of Tipu Sultan in 1799, the East India Company took over the fort.

Bekal Fort is known to have secret passage ways that helped the armies to enter or return into the fort. A popular spot for local film shootings, Bekal is undergoing major restoration work in its premises. It is highly advisable to visit Bekal in the morning hours before 12 noon or in the early evenings post 4 pm as it can get very hot and there aren't many trees to offer a much needed shade to escape the Kerala sun.

Timings to visit Bekal is between 8:00 am to 5:30 pm. The entrance of the gate will remain open from 8:00 to 6:00 pm. Entrance fee is Rs. 5/- per head for Indian tourists and Rs. 100/- for foreign tourists. For still camera and video camera they charge a fee of Rs. 25/-.

There's Nirvana Luxury Cottages close to the fort with an in-house multi-cuisine restaurant Kia-Ora (Phone: 0467-2272007/ 2272900. Email: nirvanabekalfort@gmail.com).

After a visit to Bekal Fort, just 7kms away you can visit The Lalit Spa and Resort and enjoy a healthy and hearty meal. As a first timer, it maybe difficult to spot this resort, so it is advisable that you keep driving towards Mangalore, on the same road keeping the railway tracks to your right. Once you spot a nursing medical college (a glass building), keep a look out on your left for a sign board which says 'Lalit Spa and Resort - 3kms' and follow the arrows as you drive through the interiors. The roads are yet to be developed, but don't let that deter you from driving up till the end. The Lalit Spa is located at a dead end and you can't miss it thanks to the red arrows pointing to the direction. A visit to the resort is a must especially after a hot and sunny day spent at Bekal Fort.

Travel> Arakkal Museum

Image 1: Exhibits at the Arakkal Museum

Image 2: The Arakkal Geneology

Image 3: A peek outside the window from the Arakkal museum

Image 4: Geneology of the Arakkal Family

Image 5: Cabinet

Image 6: Exhibits at the museum

Image 7: Furniture at the museum

Image 8: Welcome to the Arakkal Museum

Image 9: The Arakkal Crest

Image 10: Arakkal Beebi and Sulthan Ali Raja

Image copyright: Tanya Munshi

Text by: Tanya Munshi, for Yatra.com

The Arakkal Ali Rajas the only Muslim royal family of Kerala came into power after the reign of the Kolathiri Rajas in 1772.

Dedicated to the only Muslim royal family in Kerala, the Arakkal Museum is the only part of the Arakkalkettu (Arakkal Palace). The Government of Kerala has converted the durbar in the palace into a museum. It was inaugurated as early as in July 2005 and is still owned by the Arakkal Family Trust and not under the Archaeological Survey of India.

One of the earliest records of the Arakkal family has been traced as early as 12th century AD. Unlike most matrilineal dynasties in Kerala, the Arakkals were led by the senior most members, irrespective of their gender. If the ruler was male, he was referred to as Ali Raja and if the ruler was a lady, she was referred to as Arakkal Beebi. The Arakkal Ali Rajas the only Muslim royal family of Kerala came into power after the reign of the Kolathiri Rajas in 1772.

Arakkal - the island of Minicoy which is the southernmost island of the Lakshadweep, owes its heritage to the Arakkal Ali Rajas, which is now a part of the Maldives. The Ali Rajas surrendered the island to the British upon returning back to independent India.

The Kolathiri Rajas and the Arakkals helped the Portuguese when they arrived in the Malabar region in the 15th century. After 100 years of existence, the Dutch sold the St. Angelo Fort to the Arakkal for a princely sum of one lakh rupees in 1770 AD. The Arakkals gained importance in the Malabar region after they secured fort and their association with the kings of Mysore.

But with the arrival of the British, everything changed. From start they were against the kings of Mysore and following the first war of Mysore in 1790 the British General Abercomby defeated the Arakkal family and seized the St. Angelo Fort. Since the Arakkals wanted peace, an agreement was made between the British and the Arakkals. They received the title of Sultan during the 15th century, and their dynasty came to an end by August 1947.

Dedicated to the only Muslim royal family in Kerala, the Arrakkal Museum is the only part of the Arakkalkettu (Arakkal Palace). The Government of Kerala has converted the durbar in the palace into a museum. It was inaugurated as early as in July 2005 and is still owned by the Arakkal Family Trust and not under the Archaeological Survey of India.

With an entrance fee of Rs.5 and camera fee Rs.50, a trip to Arakkal Museum is a must. At the reception, you can purchase a copy of ‘The Ali Rajas of Cannanore’ by Dr. KKN Kurup (under the Publication Division University of Calicut), priced at Rs. 100.

There are quite a few items on display that reveal the nature and the lifestyle of the Arakkals. Archaic telephones, telescopes are the highlight of the museum. As you enter you will be welcomed with the genealogy of the Arakkals which is quite interesting.

How to reach Arakkal Museum

The Arakkal Museum is situated right opposite to a petrol pump. It is not very far from the St. Angelo Fort. You can take an auto to the museum as it is located on the main road with a petrol pump right across the street.

Travel> Ezhimala

Image 1: The view from the top

Image 2: About Mount Dilli Lighthouse

Image 3: View of the Zamorin Beach

Image 4: Ezhimala Fort under restoration work

Image 5: Mount Dilli Lighthouse

Image 6: Pristine beaches of Ezhimala

Image 7: The Lighthouse

Image 8: View of the Ezhimala Fort ruins from the lighthouse

Image 9: Humbled by the ocean view

Image 10: As you enter the Mount Dilli lighthouse

Text by: Tanya Munshi, for Yatra.com

Ezhimala is a collection of hills forming a peninsula, 38 km north of Kannur. It stands at a height of 286 m above sea level. Ezhimala is home to the country’s premier defence naval training establishment known as the Indian Naval Academy.

During the 5th century AD, there were three kingdoms in Kerala. Ezhimalainad was to the extreme north, which later came to be known as North Malabar, Cannanore and Kasergode areas. Since Ezhimalai or Mount Eli was the capital of this area, it acquired the name of its capital.

The mention of Ezhimala dates as early as 1298 by Marco Polo. According to some, Ezhimala happened to be one of the first Indian lands to be spotted by Vasco Da Gama.

Eli Mala in Malyalam means Seven Hills. As the name suggest, Ezhimala is a collection of hills forming a peninsula, 38 km north of Kannur. It stands at a height of 286 meters above sea level, and was the capital of the ancient Mooshika Dynasty of the Sang period and is still believed to be of premier historical importance. It was during their reign that the terms ‘Elimala’, ‘Mount Eli’ and ‘Mount the Eli’ were coined.

An erstwhile thriving sea port and centre of business in ancient Kerala, Ezhimala had also been one of the major war zones in the 11th century that was held between the Chola-Chera Dynasties. Now Ezhimala is home to the country’s premier defence naval training establishment known as the Indian Naval Academy.

With prior permission from the Naval Academy, you can visit the Mount Dilli Lighthouse between 3:00 to 5:00 pm, which is situated inside the naval base. Its not a very high lighthouse, but its worth a trip as it gives you a breathtaking view of the virgin beaches of Ezhimala and Zamorin. The entry fee for the lighthouse is Rs. 10/- for adults, Rs. 3/- for children, Rs. 25/- for foreign tourists, camera charges Rs. 20/- and video photography Rs. 25/-.

Just next to the lighthouse, you'll see a tiny fort which is known as the Ezhimala Fort and is under major restoration work. There isn't much to see and do there as of now, however, its worth a wait for a few more months when the fort will be ready for public viewing.

Travel> St. Angelo Fort, Kannur

Image 1: Inside the St. Angelo Fort

Image2: King of its castle

Image 3: Where time stood still

Image 4: The Archeological Survey of India office at St. Angelo Fort

Image 5: Fortified in time

Image 6: The sea fortress - St. Angelo Fort

Image 7: View of the Mapila Bay

Image 8: The Canons facing the sea

Image 9: The stables for the horses

Image 10: St. Angelo Fort, Kannur

Image copyright: Tanya Munshi

Text by: Tanya Munshi, for Yatra.com

St. Angelo’s Fort was one of the first Portuguese settlements on the Malabar shores. This seashore fort is situated on the cliff next to the Mapila Bay, extending into the Arabian Sea (also referred to as the Lakshadweep Sea). St. Angelo’s Fort has been declared to be of national importance under the Ancient Monuments and Archeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.

The King of Kolathunad (an ancient monarchy in Kerala, which included present day Kannur and Kasargod) had offered this site to build a factory at Kannur in order to build trading relations with the Portuguese. Vasco Da Gama, the Portuguese navigator arrived to the Malabar Coast first in 1498 AD in order to strengthen the trading relations with the Kolathiri Rajas.

In the 1500s, Pedro Alvares Cabral made adjoining installations for the ware house in the factory. By 1501 AD, AD Joao D’ Nova, set up a small factory in Kannur and returned to Portugal. By the second visit in 1502 AD, Vasco Da Gama constructed a palisade with the permission of the Kolathiri Raja and it was completed in 1507 AD and the fort came to be known as St. Angelo. Later, this fort became an important military location to protect the west coast.

In 1663 the Dutch captured the fort from the Portuguese and made modifications to the fort. After which, the fort was sold to Ali Rajas of Cannanore in 1772 AD. The fort was captured by the British in 1790 AD and extended the fort to make it an important military fort on the Malabar Coast.

The St. Angelo Fort owes its architecture to the Portuguese, Dutch and the British as early as 16th century AD. Built with laterite (an iron rich red soil typically found in South India), with high ramparts on a rocky promontory surrounded by the sea on all sides and a dry moat runs from the land from one side of the fort.

During the Portuguese period, to isolate the fort from the mainland, a water moat would run from east to west connecting the Arabian Sea to the Mapila Bay. The Portuguese built most of the buildings within the fort like chapels, house of mercy prison, offices and amenities. The horse stables and the ammunition house were built by the Dutch within the fort. The main gate towards the land was protected by bastions.

The epitaph of Susanna Weyerman, the first wife of the Dutch Governor Godfried Weyerman who died on 28th March 1754 AD recalls the possession by the Dutch of St. Angelo Fort. The canons used by the Portuguese and the British have been affixed on the merinos and bastions of the fort walls pointing toward the sea. Visiting hours at the fort is between 8am to 6pm every day. A visit to the fort in the mornings and early evenings is advised as it can get quite hot during the middays and afternoons. The fort has been very well maintained, with manicured gardens, flower beds and thankfully not littered by the tourists. It is quite a peaceful tourist spot free of noisy people. You can stop by at the ice cream vendors and taste the flavor of local ice creams there. There are no entrance fee charged to enter St. Angelo’s Fort, however you have to pay a minimal parking fee of Rs. 10.

Just next to the Fort St. Angelo, you will find a wall protruding from the fort separating the sea with the inland water that forms a natural fishing harbor called Mappila Bay. Since this bay connected with the Kolathunadu, (North Malabar) from Lakshwadeep with the other countries, this was a prominent port for trade during the regime of the Kolathiri.

Presently, the Mappila Bay has been converted into a modern fishing harbor under the Indo-Norwegian Treaty that was signed during a joint venture between the two nations. You will find the latest and advance fishing equipment being are used here.

Mapila Bay

Just next to the Fort St. Angelo, you will find a wall protruding from the fort separating the sea with the inland water that forms a natural fishing harbor called Mappila Bay. Since this bay connected with the Kolathunadu, (North Malabar) from Lakshwadeep with the other countries, this was a prominent port for trade during the regime of the Kolathiri.

Presently, the Mappila Bay has been converted into a modern fishing harbor under the Indo-Norwegian Treaty that was signed during a joint venture between the two nations. You will find the latest and advance fishing equipment being are used here.

How to reach St. Angelo Fort

The St. Angelo Fort is situated next to the DSC Cantonment. The routes are well marked. It is advisable to hire a private vehicle from your hotel or a travel agency to visit this fort as it is located on an off beat track. The fort is around 3kms from the Kannur city.